Thankful for a Refuge

The year 2012 stretched our family beyond what I thought we could bear.  We had illness, unemployment, financial hardships and loss.  Yet, here we continue to be.  The real test though is the character of our hearts.  Have we learned contentment?  Paul stated in Philippians 4:11"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."  What was Paul's secret of being content? He states it in the next verse - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  We learn to be content through leaning on God.  He is our stronghold.  Our fortress.  The one who gives us the capacity for endurance.

Psalm 91:2 "I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  So, as we begin a new year I am thankful that God is our refuge.  Thankful that He gives us new beginnings and fresh starts.  I am thankful that he gives us the strength to carry on.  We don't have to be alone because He has promised to strengthen us.  Psalm 10:17 "O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear."  Praying that whatever circumstances you and I find ourselves in this year we would be content and depend on God for His strength.  Happy New Year - 2013!!

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